You're out hunting down Tampa Bay's last available case of bottled water, and wildlife rehabilitator Kris Porter is a little frustrated too — she's just been told that her regular feed store is fresh out of mealworms.
But it's OK, says Porter, "I have some at home."
Porter is the founder of Owl's Nest Sanctuary for Wildlife in Odessa. She has around 25 animals at her sanctuary and she has to make sure they'll weather the storm, however big — or small, maybe, please? — it turns out to be around here.
These include some rare (and insanely adorable) orphaned spotted skunks, a kingfisher with head trauma, a few gopher tortoises, a couple of chimney swifts and mourning doves, as well as an injured fawn recently found not doing so well in someone's backyard.
Another 120 or so baby squirrels, plus some baby possums and raccoons, are being tended to by off-site by volunteers for the sanctuary. (Believe it or not, this is Owl's Nest's slow season — spring was way, way busier.)
Porter could use some help. She needs boat tarps to wrap around outside enclosures — she'll bring the animals inside, but it's best the enclosures not get soaked — and large bungee cords to secure them.
Also needed: Powdered Esbilac, a puppy milk replacement used to feed the baby squirrels; puppy pads, which can be peed and pooped on then thrown away (important when there's no power to do laundry) and baby blankets. These have a whole lot of cozy and practical purposes in wildlife rehab (and also make for wildly cute visuals).
You can order most goods from Amazon, and have them sent to Owl's Nest (12932 Royal George Ave., Odessa, FL 33556). Alternatively, Porter asks folks to call her (813-598-5926) to arrange pickup.
The supplies are needed now, before the storm — but if we don't get hit (seriously, please can we not?) they'll still get put to good use.
Oh, of course, if you have any spare mealworms, Porter's critters could use those, too. They're food for the birds.
While we have your animal-loving attention: Suncoast Animal League desperately needs assistance before things get wet and windy.
The Palm Harbor shelter is full of cats, and is in a flood-prone spot. This is a dangerous combination, so they need people who live in non-evacuation zones to make themselves available for fostering a kitty (or two or three) should the need arise — only until the threat passes, not indefinitely. Email them here to help.
Arin Greenwood is an animal writer, novelist, and former lawyer living in St Pete. Her third book, Your Robot Dog Will Die, is due to be published by Soho Teen in April, 2018. She's also written two other books in which dogs appear but no robots are in any danger.
This article appears in Aug 31 – Sep 7, 2017.